Desert Tunes

Taking rapid steps on desert sands
in the hot blistering sun
Her head titled
to balance dual pots of water
with heavily ornamented hands
Swiftly rising drifts blinding her eyes
Her multi coloured patch worked skirt
swirling to the rhythm
of silver anklets,
Humming a rustic tune
A smile on her lips
Anticipating her lover’s embrace
The promise of an enchanting evening
With lingering nightlong soirees……


Simmering desert dunes,
created fresh patterns
Golden sands turning russet in the evening sun;
Faraway, across the miles
Floated strains of folk ballad music
interspersed with baritone voices
Men seated for a break from their daily grind
with their blood red turbans on heat beaten faces
like full blown roses adorning their heads,
Women pirouetting, swishing ghagras
The air was ripe with evocative medley
And vibrance of Rajasthan

Her smoldering eyes spotted his camel
She resisted the urge to rush forth;
Twilight blurred her vision
as she saw two heads
nearing the music podium
She recognized
A woman with a veiled head
holding on to him
He helped her alight
delicately carrying her down
The crescendo of drums reverberated
Dust storms blew ribbons of wrath
A million hammers pounded
Breaking down glass doors
Splinters pierced her feet
She would dance to death
The Chari Dance
For her best friend
And lover
Who were united as man and wife

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Trivia:
* The Chari dance with 7 pots on the head and a lighted lamp is performed on occasions like weddings

* Ghagra choli is a traditional dress worn by girls of North India. It is a two piece clothing comprising a blouse and flowing ankle length skirt with lots of material.

* Rajasthan is a State in India famous for its tourism, palaces, desert lands, folklore, colour, dances, tribals & more...